Video: The best of George Best, One Year after His Death

Also see: Booze, Birds and Fast Cars - A Tribute To George

"At the age of 15, Best was discovered in Belfast by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop, whose telegram to United manager Sir Matt Busby read: "I have found a genius". His local club Glentoran had previously rejected him for being "too small and light". Best was subsequently given a trial and signed up by chief scout Joe Armstrong in 1961. He turned professional and made his debut for Manchester United in 1963 against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford. He became world-famous at the age of eighteen when he scored three goals in a European Cup match against Benfica in 1966, and scored in United's European Cup final win against the same club in 1968.

He made 466 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions, scoring 178 goals (including six in one game against Northampton Town). Best was United's top scorer for six consecutive seasons. During this run he also topped the first division scoring charts in 1967-68 with 28 goals, remarkable for a player who was not an out-and-out striker. In 1974, the 27-year-old Best was sacked by United for excessive drinking and persistent failure to attend training sessions and matches. His last competitive game for the club was on 1 January 1974 against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

His 'second team' after Manchester United is often considered to be Fulham F.C. (though he did play 9 more games at San Jose Earthquakes (NASL team) in the twilight of his career). Best had made a return to England after 'retiring' to the USA and still had his amazing skills, though he had lost his pace slightly. Best scored some amazing goals for The Cottagers and is particularly remember for tackling his 'old drinking mate' Rodney Marsh in a FA Cup game against Hereford United (despite both being on the same team!). Best stated later in life, that he enjoyed his time most while at Fulham F.C. despite not winning any honours.

Over the next decade, Best drifted between several football clubs including spells in America, Scotland and Australia. He played for three clubs in America: Los Angeles Aztecs, Fort Lauderdale Strikers and San Jose Earthquakes (NASL team); he also played for the Detroit Express on an European tour. Best revelled in the anonymity America afforded him after England and was a success on the field, too, scoring 15 goals in 24 games in his first season with the Aztecs and was named as the NASL's best midfielder in his second [2].

In his third season in the States, Best began a slow decline, scoring only once in 12 appearances. His moves to Fort Lauderdale and San Jose were also unhappy, as his off-field demons began to take control of his life again. At San Jose Earthquakes, the club was owned by Milan Mandaric with whom George developed a close relationship over the years. Throughout 2004 George was often seen with Milan at the club he ran, Portsmouth FC. In 1983 George finally retired from the game, at the age of 37. His last games as a professional were with third division A.F.C. Bournemouth.

He was capped 37 times for Northern Ireland, scoring nine goals. He played mainly as a winger and was known for his dribbling skills and passing. On 15 May 1971, Best scored the cheekiest and arguably the most famous 'goal' of his career at Windsor Park in Belfast against Gordon Banks. The English goalkeeper was about to kick the ball downfield and dropped the ball towards his left foot. However, Best had anticipated the move and, with his right boot, knocked the ball up in the air behind Banks. The famous duo both scrambled towards the net but Best outpaced Banks and headed the ball into the empty goal, to the delight of the home supporters. His effort was disallowed for ungentlemanly conduct by a referee whose back had been turned away from the incident, but even this untimely and incorrect intervention did not spare Banks the embarrassment of having been outwitted.

Best was considered briefly by manager Billy Bingham for the 1982 World Cup. However, at 36 and with his footballing days largely behind him it was understandable that he was not selected in the Northern Ireland squad, thereby denying him the one chance of playing in front of a global audience. In view of his home country's relative lack of success, he was an advocate of an all-Ireland team.

Diego Maradona has frequently named Best as his all-time favourite player [3] and Pelé once stated that Best was the best player he ever saw play. He also named him as one of the 125 best living footballers in his 2004 FIFA 100 list.

In 1988, a testimonial match was held for Best at Windsor Park, Belfast. Amongst the crowd were Sir Matt Busby and Bob Bishop, the scout who discovered Best, while those playing included Ossie Ardiles, Pat Jennings and Liam Brady. Best scored twice, one goal from outside the box, the other from the penalty spot.

In 1998, Best became a football pundit on Sky Sports.

In November 2004 Best agreed to join FA Premier League club Portsmouth F.C. as a youth coach, citing his desire to get involved in football again.

Thanks to Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Best

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